Work and school?

[saturn90]

I start my pre-reqs May 14th and I am so stoked!! I work part-time and my boss is so flexible that I know I shouldn't be worried but...

I am! I was wondering how hard it is to balance school and work and a social life (or lack of?) I HAVE to work because I have bills to pay and I would like to start paying off my fin aid as quickly as possible...so, not having a job is out of the question.

I would appreciate any advice :)

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

People work full time, have kids, and go to school. If you have the motivation, you can do it.

[saturn90]

Thank you! I am very motivated :) I guess I'm just worried about "study time." I hear that nursing school requires A LOT of studying, which I'm okay with...I just don't want it to consume to my life because I've got sooo many other things going on.

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

Well the pre-reqs might not consume your life, but the nursing program will be a whole different story. If you want to be a nurse, be prepared to spend a lot of your time at school, clinicals, and studying.

[saturn90]

Okay, thank you! I appreciate it :)

Do you know how early a pre nursing student should apply to the nursing program?

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

You have to talk to the schools about that. I don't think you'll be able to apply until you're at least within a semster of finishing the prereqs. Some schools are set up differently though.. Get an appointment with an advisor as soon as you can because they are (usually) great at answering questions and pointing you in the right direction.

[ssaarraahh]

Work and pre-reqs can be done together. I did my pre-reqs and nursing school while working around 20 hours a week. I made sure I had time to study and get everything that needed to be done before I went out with friends. Having a social life is possible; you just need a find a way to juggle school, work, family, and friends.

[saturn90]

Thank you for your advice!

[mellzie22]

I worked full-time and went to school full time. Just make sure to manage your time, and be able to say "no" to other commitments. It will be worth it :)

[somedaypeds]

I had to work full time while in nursing school (this is my last quarter). Once you find the balance, it is ok, but getting there is tough. I basically had to tell my friends and family that I would not have time for them while in school. I email them a lot - especially my clinical reports (which have no patient identifiers). They like to hear what I am doing in school since they don't get to see me often.

I made up a list of strategies to implement when I am stressed out. Last quarter was a tough one for me and I had to resort to using the list. It helps me feel like I am still in control when things are not going smoothly.